Fire chiefs urge caution regarding Christmas tree, lights

Decorating homes and businesses is a longstanding tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase the chances of fire, said Joe Tuckey, Tecumseh fire chief.

In a news release from the Lenawee County Fire Chiefs Association, Tuckey recommends following a few simple fire safety tips to keep electric lights, candles and Christmas trees from creating a tragedy:

— Don't put a live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.

— Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.

— Keep the live tree stand filled with water at all times.

— Use only nonflammable decorations.

— Don't link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it's safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.

— Avoid using lit candles; consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.